16/04/2026
For todays pick we will be talking about
*Why Catholics celebrate Easter for 50 days*
Let's get more details
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*
Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Holy Rosary Parish, Adenta, Catholic Church, GD-005-7126 Gray Street, Adentan.
09/04/2026
*MASS READINGS & REFLECTION FOR APRIL 9,2026.*
(Thursday in the Octave of Easter)
*I. A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles 3:11-26.*
As the crippled man who had been cured clung to Peter and John,all the people hurried in amazement toward them in the portico called “Solomon’s Portico.”
When Peter saw this, he addressed the people,“You children of Israel, why are you amazed at this,and why do you look so intently at us as if we had made him walk by our own power or piety?
The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob,the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus whom you handed over and denied in Pilate’s presence,when he had decided to release him.
You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.
The author of life you put to death,but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses.
And by faith in his name, this man, whom you see and know, his name has made strong, and the faith that comes through it has given him this perfect health,in the presence of all of you.
Now I know, brothers and sisters,that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did;but God has thus brought to fulfillment what he had announced beforehand through the mouth of all the prophets,that his Christ would suffer.
Repent, therefore, and be converted,that your sins may be wiped away,and that the Lord may grant you times of refreshment and send you the Christ already appointed for you, Jesus,whom heaven must receive until the times of universal restoration of which God spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old.
For Moses said:A prophet like me will the Lord, your God,raise up for you from among your own kin;to him you shall listen in all that he may say to you.
Everyone who does not listen to that prophet will be cut off from the people.
“Moreover, all the prophets who spoke,from Samuel and those afterwards, also announced these days.
You are the children of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your ancestors when he said to Abraham,In your offspring all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
For you first, God raised up his servant and sent him to bless you by turning each of you from your evil ways.”
*II. Responsorial Psalm: 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9.*
*R. (2ab) O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!*
or:
R. Alleluia.
_O LORD, our Lord,how glorious is your name over all the earth!_
What is man that you should be mindful of him,or the son of man that you should care for him?
_R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!_
or:
R. Alleluia.
You have made him little less than the angels,and crowned him with glory and honor.You have given him rule over the works of your hands,putting all things under his feet.
_R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!_
or:
R. Alleluia.
All sheep and oxen,yes, and the beasts of the field,The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea,and whatever swims the paths of the seas.
_R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!_
or:
R. Alleluia.
*Sequence -- optional.*
Victimae paschali laudes
Christians, to the Paschal Victim Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems;Christ, who only is sinless,Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.Speak, Mary,declaring What you saw,wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;bright angels attesting,The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.
Alleluia Ps 118:24.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the day the LORD has made;let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
*III. A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 24:35-48.*
The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way,and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.
While they were still speaking about this,he stood in their midst and said to them,“Peace be with you.”
t
But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost.
Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled?And why do questions arise in your hearts?
Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.
Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.”
And as he said this,he showed them his hands.and his feet.
While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed,he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?”
They gave him a piece of baked fish;he took it and ate it in front of them.
He said to them,“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you,that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.”
Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins,would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from
Jerusalem.You are witnesses of these things.”
*REFLECTION*
Beloved in Christ, The Risen Lord in today's gospel opened the minds of His disciples to understand the message of the Resurrection in the scriptures and to be witnesses of His Light and Love. They are to go forth and preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins, and to be His witnesses. *As children of the resurrection, we are called each day to bear witness to the truth and light of the resurrection by word and deed and to proclaim God's saving grace in our lives. Like the Apostles, we can only bear true witness to what we have already experienced.*
Let us pray for a heart opened to Jesus’ presence in our lives and a mind and heart that understands His Word to be true witnesses. May we, too, experience the Risen Jesus daily and be empowered to go forth and be His witnesses. *Today, Jesus is calling us to bear witness to the “Good News" by word and deed. Will I answer Jesus’ call wholeheartedly? Will I be His ambassador? Will I follow in His footsteps and share His message and His love? The choice is always yours.* *GOD BLESS YOU*
08/04/2026
For todays pick we will be talking about
*Why we call the Season “Easter”*
Let's get more details
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*
08/04/2026
*MASS READINGS & REFLECTION FOR APRIL 8, 2026.*
(Wednesday in the Octave of Easter)
*I. A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles 3:1-10.*
Peter and John were going up to the temple area for the three o’clock hour of prayer.
And a man crippled from birth was carried and placed at the gate of the temple called “the Beautiful Gate” every day to beg for alms from the people who entered the temple.
When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple,he asked for alms.
But Peter looked intently at him, as did John,and said, “Look at us.”
He paid attention to them, expecting to receive something from them.
Peter said, “I have neither silver nor gold,but what I do have I give you:in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean,rise and walk.”
Then Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up,and immediately his feet and ankles grew strong.
He leaped up, stood, and walked around,and went into the temple with them,walking and jumping and praising God.
When all the people saw him walking and praising God,they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple,and they were filled with amazement and astonishment at what had happened to him.
*II. Responsorial Psalm: 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9.*
*R. (3b) Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord.*
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD,invoke his name;make known among the nations his deeds.Sing to him, sing his praise,proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
_R. Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord._
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!Look to the LORD in his strength;seek to serve him constantly.
_R. Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord._
or:
R. Alleluia.
You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail.
_R. Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord._
or:
R. Alleluia.
He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations-Which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac.
_R. Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord._
or:
R. Alleluia.
*Sequence -- optional*
Victimae paschali laudes
Christians, to the Paschal Victim Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems;Christ, who only is sinless,Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.Speak, Mary,declaring What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;bright angels attesting,The shroud and napkin resting.Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.
Alleluia Ps 118:24.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the day the LORD has made;let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
*III. A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 24:13-35.*
That very day, the first day of the week,two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus,and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.
And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.
He asked them,“What are you discussing as you walk along?”They stopped, looking downcast.
One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply,“Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?”And he replied to them, “What sort of things?”
They said to him,“The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene,who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him.
But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel;and besides all this,it is now the third day since this took place.
Some women from our group, however,have astounded us:they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his Body;they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive.
Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described,but him they did not see.”And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are!
How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!
Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”
Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets,he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures.
As they approached the village to which they were going,he gave the impression that he was going on farther.
But they urged him, “Stay with us,for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.”So he went in to stay with them.
And it happened that, while he was with them at table,he took bread, said the blessing,broke it, and gave it to them.With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him,but he vanished from their sight.
Then they said to each other,“Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”
So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying,“The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!”
Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
*REFLECTION*
Beloved in Christ, *Turning around in the right direction is our daily vocation as sons and daughters of the Resurrection.* We do not know the reason behind the journeying from Jerusalem to Emmaus at the time of the two disciples in today's gospel. Probably they had a mission for their journey or were confused, depressed, and in despair about the message of the resurrection they heard from other disciples and had to change direction, moving away from the community in Jerusalem to Emmaus. *Whatever their mission or reason for the journey might be, one thing is apparent: After their encounter with Jesus, THEY VALUED THE MESSAGE OF THE RESSURECTION OVER THEIR MISSIONS, AND HENCE TURNING AROUND TO THE RIGHT DIRECTION.* The presence of the Risen Lord transformed their sorrow into joy and their despair into hope.
The presence of the risen Lord, made the two disciples set out that instant, TURNED AROUND, BECAME MORE focused & PURPOSEFUL, and returned to Jerusalem to tell the Eleven disciples their story. *We, too, may sometimes find ourselves going in the wrong direction, away from the community of believers, burdened by a sense of sadness and hopelessness. In such times, the Lord's presence is enough for us and able to turn things around for our good. As the disciples met the risen Lord on their way to Emmaus, we too must recognize and appreciate His presence in the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist, and in the Word of God.* May we strive each day to turn to the Lord’s presence and walk in the right direction, and our lives will never be the same. *GOD BLESS YOU*
05/04/2026
*MASS READINGS FOR APRIL 5, 2026.*
_(Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord)_
*I. A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles 10:34a, 37-43.*
Peter proceeded to speak and said:"You know what has happened all over Judea,beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached,how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil,for God was with him.
We are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem.They put him to death by hanging him on a tree.
This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible,not to all the people, but to us,the witnesses chosen by God in advance,who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.
To him all the prophets bear witness,that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name."
*II. Responsorial Psalm:PS 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23.*
*R. (24) This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.*
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD,for he is good,for his mercy endures forever.Let the house of Israel say,“His mercy endures forever.”
R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R. Alleluia.
“The right hand of the LORD has struck with power;the right hand of the LORD is exalted.I shall not die, but live,and declare the works of the LORD.”
R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.By the LORD has this been done;it is wonderful in our eyes.
R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R. Alleluia.
*III. A Reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians 3:1-4.*
Brothers and sisters:If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,then you too will appear with him in glory.
_Sequence Victimae Paschali Laudes._
Christians, to the Paschal Victim Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems;Christ, who only is sinless,Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:The Prince of life,who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary,declaring What you saw, wayfaring.“The tomb of Christ, who is living,The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;bright angels attesting,The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King,ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.
Alleluia 1 Corinthians 5:7B-8A
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed;let us then feast with joy in the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
*IV. A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to John 20:1-9.*
On the first day of the week,Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning,while it was still dark,and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved,and told them,“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,and we don’t know where they put him.”
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first;he bent down and saw the burial cloths there,but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him,he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,and the cloth that had covered his head,not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in,the one who had arrived at the tomb first,and he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.
*V. REFLECTION*
Beloved in Christ, *Without Easter, there would be no CHRISTIANITY and there would be no CHURCH. The Resurrection of Christ is, therefore, the basis of our Christian Faith. His resurrection is a guarantee of our resurrection and gives us hope and encouragement in this world of pain, sorrow, and tears. When we celebrate Easter, as we do every year, we are not simply remembering a victory that belongs to the past, but we celebrate an "Ongoing Victory".* We are celebrating a king whose loving and life-giving power at work among us is constantly bringing new life out of death and continually transforming our tombs into places of Hope. Today, we announce, not just, "Christ has been raised", but, "Christ is risen, Alleluia Alleluia!":This is because Easter is a Present Reality and not just a past event. The Lord calls us to become Easter people and to witness the Easter truth and light.
*As Easter people, we should always remember that suffering, pain, and death do not have the last word, for Jesus our Lord lives forever. Easter invites us to live in Christ, with Christ, and for Christ. Easter calls on us to become aware of the presence of the Risen Lord every day in our lives. The resurrection of Jesus tells us that there is a future in store for us; there is Heaven we can look forward to when this transitory world passes away; there is life after death.* Hence, we ought not to focus our attention only on this material world that gives us nothing but lifeless tombs but to be fully alive, and wake up from our slumber as we become connected to the resurrected King. May the Risen Lord raise us from our tombs- the tombs we have built for ourselves and/or the tombs others have built for us. *GOD BLESS YOU*
02/04/2026
*MASS READINGS & REFLECTION FOR APRIL 2,2026.*
(Holy Thursday -Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper)
*1. A Reading from the Book of Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14.*
The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt,“This month shall stand at the head of your calendar;you shall reckon it the first month of the year.
Tell the whole community of Israel:On the tenth of this month every one of your families must procure for itself a lamb, one apiece for each household.
If a family is too small for a whole lamb,it shall join the nearest household in procuring one and shall share in the lamb in proportion to the number of persons who partake of it.
The lamb must be a year-old male and without blemish.You may take it from either the sheep or the goats.
You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month,and then, with the whole assembly of Israel present,it shall be slaughtered during the evening twilight.
They shall take some of its blood and apply it to the two doorposts and the lintel of every house in which they partake of the lamb.
That same night they shall eat its roasted flesh with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
“This is how you are to eat it:with your loins girt, sandals on your feet and your staff in hand,you shall eat like those who are in flight.
It is the Passover of the LORD.For on this same night I will go through Egypt,striking down every firstborn of the land, both man and beast,and executing judgment on all the gods of Egypt—I, the LORD! But the blood will mark the houses where you are.
Seeing the blood, I will pass over you;thus, when I strike the land of Egypt,no destructive blow will come upon you.
“This day shall be a memorial feast for you,which all your generations shall celebrate with pilgrimage to the LORD, as a perpetual institution.”
*2. Responsorial Psalm: Ps 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18.*
*R. (cf. 1 Cor 10:16) Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.*
How shall I make a return to the LORD for all the good he has done for me?The cup of salvation I will take up,and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
R. Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.
Precious in the eyes of the LORD is the death of his faithful ones.I am your servant, the son of your handmaid;you have loosed my bonds.
R. Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.
To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving,and I will call upon the name of the LORD.My vows to the LORD I will pay in the presence of all his people.
R.Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.
*3. A Reading from the First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians 11:23-26.*
Brothers and sisters:I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you,that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over,took bread, and, after he had given thanks,broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you.Do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way also the cup,after supper, saying,“This cup is the new covenant in my blood.Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup,you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.
Verse Before the Gospel
Jn 13:34
I give you a new commandment, says the Lord:love one another as I have loved you.
*4. A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to John 13:1-15.*
Before the feast of Passover,Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father.
He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over.
So, during supper,fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God,he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.He took a towel and tied it around his waist.
Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered and said to him,“What I am doing, you do not understand now,but you will understand later.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered him,“Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.”
Simon Peter said to him,“Master, then not only my feet,but my hands and head as well.”
Jesus said to him,“Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed,for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.”
For he knew who would betray him;for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again,he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?
You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.
I have given you a model to follow,so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
*REFLECTION*
Beloved in Christ, *Today is the beginning of the Sacred Triduum, referring to Maundy/Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Great Easter Vigil. After the joyous shouts of Hosannas on Palm Sunday, the mood suddenly changes today, Maundy Thursday. "Maundy" is a term that comes from the Latin word “mandate” or “command” in English. Hence, today is "Command Thursday". But what is the command? "And rightly so, after He washed their feet, Jesus told His disciples to go and do likewise" (Jn 13:14-15).* This is an important aspect of the overarching mandate in John 13:34, where Jesus says: "Love one another just as I have loved you." In the same manner, serve one another as I have served you. It was the mandate for Jesus’ disciples at that time and it is also a mandate for all of us today to ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE FIRST WASHED, TOUCHED, AND CLEANSED BY JESUS to WASH/SERVE ONE ANOTHER.
*Unfortunately, Christianity in the 21st century is sick and bleeding. The world, too, is suffering, sick, and dying. The suffering, bleeding, and sickness are a result of selfishness, power, fame, secularism, materialism, worldliness, and the "throw-away" of the GOSPEL VALUES. Today, Jesus is willing and ready to refresh and heal us from our various wounds and the surest way is for us to be committed to His Command and Demand of servanthood.* Today, we are called to come and experience the love and mercy of God by bringing to Jesus our shame, failures, faults, and the unpleasant parts/areas of our lives for washing, cleansing, and restoration - so that we may intend to wash one another's feet to make Christianity a home and the world a beautiful place to live. *WE ARE CALLED TO COME TO THE REALIZATION THAT THE SPACE BETWEEN OTHERS AND US LIES - "A TOWEL" - TO BE USED TO WASH ONE ANOTHER'S FEET AS JESUS DID.*
Today, how will we manifest Jesus’ love, concern, and care for each person we meet? *While we may not wash someone's feet, WE CAN DO SO when we take the time to comfort the lonely, help the needy, and encourage or help cheer others up. We wash one another's feet by loving them when they don't deserve our love; doing good to others even when they cannot or do not return the favor; and forgiving others from the heart even when they fail to say, "I'm sorry".* As Jesus shares Himself with us, we are also invited to share our blessings: our talents, time, strength, and wealth with others. Today, may we be mindful of sharing one small act of love as we celebrate the great gift of love that Jesus was and is. *GOD BLESS YOU*
30/03/2026
It’s Monday and our saints of the week are waiting to intercede for us!
29/03/2026
Glory , Sacrifice and Victory, that is the anthem
Happy Palm Sunday🌴
🌿
29/03/2026
*MASS READINGS & REFLECTION FOR MARCH 29, 2026.*
(Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion)
_(AT THE PROCESSION WITH PALMS BRANCHES)_
HOLY GOSPEL: MATTHEW 21:1–11.
When Jesus and the disciples drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a c**t with her. Untie them and bring them here to me.
And if anyone should say anything to you, reply, ‘The master has need of them.’ Then he will send them at once.”
This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: Say to daughter Zion, “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a c**t, the foal of a beast of burden.”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the ass and the c**t and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them.
The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road.
The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?” And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.”
(READINGS AT THE MASS)
*I. A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah 50:4-7.*
The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.
Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.
The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.
*II. RESPONSORIAL PSALM: PSALM 22:8–9, 17–18, 19–20, 23–24 (2a)*
R. _My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?_
All who see me scoff at me; they mock me with parted lips, they wag their heads: “He relied on the LORD; let him deliver him, let him rescue him, if he loves him.”
R. _My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?_
Indeed, many dogs surround me, a pack of evildoers closes in upon me, they have pierced my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones.
R. _My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?_
They divide my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots. But you, O LORD, be not far from me; O my help, hasten to aid me.
R. _My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?_
I will proclaim your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise you: “You who fear the LORD, praise him; all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to him; revere him, all you descendants of Israel!”
R. _My God, my God, why have you abandoned ME?_
*III. A Reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians 2:6-11.*
Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.
Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL
PHILIPPIANS 2:8–9.
Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name.
*IV. A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew 26:14-27:66.*
One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?”
He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”’” The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.
When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me.
The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.”
Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.
I tell you, from now on I shall not drink this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Then Jesus said to them, “This night all of you will have your faith in me shaken, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed; but after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee.”
Peter said to him in reply, “Though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be.” Jesus said to him, “Amen, I say to you, this very night before the c**k crows, you will deny me three times.”
Peter said to him, “Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you.” And all the disciples spoke likewise.
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.”
He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.”
When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again, “My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!”
Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open.
He left them and withdrew again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing again.
Then he returned to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand when the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, my betrayer is at hand.”
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people.
His betrayer had arranged a sign with them, saying, “The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him.”
Immediately he went over to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and he kissed him. Jesus answered him, “Friend, do what you have come for.”
Then stepping forward they laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. And behold, one of those who accompanied Jesus put his hand to his sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear.
Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.
Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels? But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled which say that it must come to pass in this way?”
At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me?
Day after day I sat teaching in the temple area, yet you did not arrest me. But all this has come to pass that the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.
Those who had arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. Peter was following him at a distance as far as the high priest’s courtyard, and going inside he sat down with the servants to see the outcome.
The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward.
Finally two came forward who stated, “This man said, ‘I can destroy the temple of God and within three days rebuild it.’”
The high priest rose and addressed him, “Have you no answer? What are these men testifying against you?” But Jesus was silent.
Then the high priest said to him, “I order you to tell us under oath before the living God whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
Jesus said to him in reply, “You have said so. But I tell you: From now on you will see the ‘Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power’ and ‘coming on the clouds of heaven.’”
Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need have we of witnesses?
You have now heard the blasphemy; what is your opinion?” They said in reply, “He deserves to die!” Then they spat in his face and struck him, while some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy for us, Christ: who is it that struck you?”
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.”
But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” At that he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.”
And immediately a c**k crowed. Then Peter remembered the words that Jesus had spoken: “Before the c**k crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly.
When it was morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.
They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.
Then Judas, his betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned, deeply regretted what he had done.
He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? Look to it yourself.”
Flinging the money into the temple, he departed and went off and hanged himself.
The chief priests gathered up the money, but said, “It is not lawful to deposit this in the temple treasury, for it is the price of blood.”
After consultation, they used it to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners.
That is why that field even today is called the Field of Blood. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of a man with a price on his head, a price set by some of the Israelites, and they paid it out for the potter’s field just as the Lord had commanded me.
Now Jesus stood before the governor, and he questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?”
But he did not answer him one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed.
Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, “Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over.
While he was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him.”
The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus.
The governor said to them in reply, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They answered, “Barabbas!”
Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” But he said, “Why? What evil has he done?”
They only shouted the louder, “Let him be crucified!” When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. Look to it yourselves.”
And the whole people said in reply, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.”
Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified.
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him.
They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him.
As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross.
And when they came to a place called Golgotha —which means Place of the Skull—, they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink. After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!”
Likewise the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. So he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way.
From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “This one is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. But the rest said, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him.” But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit.
*(Here all kneel and pause for a short time.)*
And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many.
The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!”
There were many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him. Among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it in clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary remained sitting there, facing the tomb.
The next day, the one following the day of preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember that this impostor while still alive said, ‘After three days I will be raised up.’ Give orders, then, that the grave be secured until the third day, lest his disciples come and steal him and say to the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’ This last imposture would be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “The guard is yours; go, secure it as best you can.” So they went and secured the tomb by fixing a seal to the stone and setting the guard.
*REFLECTION*
Beloved in Christ, *Today we celebrate Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday and we remember the Lord’s Passion this week, uniting our struggles to His and sharing in His life.* We experience in the two gospel readings a sudden change of attitude by the crowd. The same Jesus who was hailed and acclaimed by the crowd is forgotten and rejected by the same crowd. One minute, we are acclaimed and made to feel good about ourselves, but when things go wrong, we wonder, “Where did the crowd go?”. *Like Jesus, we have to realize that it is not the opinion of the masses that matters, but what matters is that we are true to ourselves. If that brings us to our cross, we must be ready to embrace it with love.*
Today, we are all called in all situations never to be members of that "unstable crowd" but the humble donkey that "carried" Jesus - bringing His universal love, unconditional forgiveness, and sacrificial service to our families, places of work, and society by word and deed. *Am I ready to surrender my life to Jesus during this Holy Week and welcome Him into all areas of my life as my Lord and Saviour? May we become "transparent Christians" during this Holy Week, enabling others to see in us Jesus’ universal love, forgiveness, and sacrificial service. The question remains: Who am I - the humble donkey or a member of the unstable crowd?* May we be true to our calling as daughters and sons of the light and strive today and every day to become vehicles of God's love and mercy. *GOD BLESS YOU*
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